Great Intentions and The Small Stuff

I don't know how the days and weeks go by so quickly. I have these great intentions to keep updating this blog, yet I have continued to disappoint myself because, besides the 'time-to-update-people' part of me, I ask "Is this randomness blog-worthy?"

As such, I have to confess to my (few) readers and come to grips with my 'blogging' experience. Future entries probably won't be as culturally interesting as I had initially endured in my first few weeks. Now, I'm re-approaching this blog as a Document of My Journey--well, some of the journey. In other words, I'm permitting myself to write about silly things like squid-flavored Cheetos and GIVE ME FIVE with my Kindergartners.

The summer is here and the humidity from being surrounded by water is also creeping alongside it. Three months in and only two months until our big week-long vacation. Mongolia is a for-sure go. The ticket has been purchased and now I spend an embarrassing amount of hours Googling ger camps, tour highlights and learning about their food--which consists of milk and cheese...(if you don't know me too well, I don't like either of those). It's not the typical TOURIST country, and for the most part, the people I talk to say that we should know what we're doing when we arrive. (Can I hear a shout out for the trusty 'ol Lonely Planet?) Granted, it is the "land of the nomads" and they don't boast of grandeur transportation, but exploring is in my blood. As great as it would be to see the Gobi desert and climb sand dunes for a day, I fear we may not have the time--but my fingers are crossed for it. Currently, there are five people going (Lauren, Collin, Scott, Lindsey, and me). Lauren and Lindsey don't get Monday off of school, so we will leave on Tuesday. I'm going to be scouting out for camel rides and some of their clothing, which looks like a sheet hanging from the shoulders and tightened with a belt around the waist....such style! In my readings, I have found that the Mongols are very hospitable people and if we can spend time with them, it will MAKE the trip rich in remembrance. It is a country home to a history of nomadic empires, dynasties and influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. Not until post WWII did Mongolia, really gain international recognition and hold de-facto independence. Similar to the Soviet politics of the time, Mongolia had been influenced by its communist neighbors and only in 1990, did it become a multi-party, democracy--still influenced by communism though.

The above pictures are of MONGOLIA - not taken by me.

Speaking of Democracy and politics, how many people keep up with international news? Did you hear, my good 'ol communist neighbor decided he'd like to shoot off some nuclear weapons. Despite the fear-induced phone calls from the family, its an 'out of sight, out of mind' thing for most people. We go on, in daily activity and in the back of our minds, we think, "what if...?" So, I registered with the US Embassy in Seoul--not that that will solve problems if I'm in a pickle, but it is good for the US to know I'm here (at least that's what I like to tell myself). I'm most interested in how South Koreans feel about the likelihood of war. In fact, last week in debate, I came up with the resolution (topic) saying "The North and South Korea's should become a unified state". They split themselves by personal preference and yesterday both sides presented some good arguments. I decided to not point out N. Korea's oppressive dictator who would die before raising a white flag. (Nor did I mention the animosity of the US towards the North due to the situation with the US Journalists being convicted to 12 years in their labor camps!)

Here's a little background on the Korean conflict: Since the Korean War (1950 - 1953), N. Korea has been very impoverished. They have the 4th largest military in the world - but also some of the oldest machinery - decrepit, etc. Because they are so poor, they also are short on fuel - so firing up some of the old stuff is going to be financially difficult. The Leader of North, Kim Jong Il, is getting ready to retire and may just be trying to provoke fear in the world so people will back off while he turns power over to his son. It's also possible, knowing how isolated the country is, he wants the US and other countries in the UN to make an offer, which would include materials and some humanitarian assistance. The sanctions from the world have left them quite alienated (kind of like "if you don't give us X, then we'll keep building"). This dangerous situation leads to the possibility of an Asian arms race across S. Korea, Japan, Taiwan, etc.

If they did declare war, there would be lots of military and civilian casualties - but they would most likely lose, as the UN, USA, and Japan fight back with the South. Also, the US has heavy military in the Sea of Japan as well as stealth fighters and 80,000 military in Japan that could cross the sea in less than 1/2 hour. Furthermore, during the Korean war, the North was aided by their communist neighbors China and Russia. This time, however, Korean news/experts believe that China and Russia will not come to N. Korea's aid (not that they'd help the South, either, of course).

In some discussions, I hear people they say that if Kim Jong Il were to send off a nuclear weapon, then it would be at the USA. However, mixed reviews are out - I don't think he really has the military power to do so. Ergo, South Korea (possibly the US Embassy?) becomes a target. Especially, a few weeks ago North Korea's military warned that it no longer considers itself bound by the terms of the 1953 ceasefire. Cause being - South Korea's decision to join a US-led initiative to track and search ships suspected of carrying weapons of mass destruction. It was only May 25 that N. Korea conducted a the underground nuclear test, and last month, it launched a long-range rocket over Japanese airspace (both acts in defiance of widespread international condemnation!!)

I was happy to when I heard that China harshly rebuked N. Korea though. Let's just say, I've been reading up on my BBC and Korean Herald News. If you're interested, check these links out - http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/8075075.stm

In reality, it's not as if this is out of the blue where the North just woke up on the wrong side of the bed. The tension has been on and off for years. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/country_profiles/1132268.stm The DMZ (the border between N/S Korea) is one of the most heavily militarized zones in the world. For me, I think I could do without seeing these fireworks. So, I officially registered with the US Embassy in Seoul, just in case there is an emergency and I need out of the country.
~~~~~
To some brighter news, I (finally) made it up to Seoul. I went t visit Jessica Christianson, who is also from Idaho, and ended up meeting another Boise native (it's a small world after all...). Jess and I didn't get to tour too much because we were both sick. (Korea-sick = yellow-dust mucus.) Did I mention that before? The yellow dust from China? Some of it is mixed with the pollen, but the pollution from China floats south and we get the muggy, polluted and humid air. Besides the sick part, we had fun hanging out. She made me a hearty list of to-dos for the next time I head to Seoul.

One adventure after another has kept me from getting to play much Frisbee. But, it's worth it.

Two weeks ago, some friends and I went up to go cave-hiking. It wasn't quite spelunking, but it was fun. After descending below ground, we felt the chill of the cold air and it was much more crisp than any I have experienced in Korea. The walls and ceilings looked fake! Some of the stalagmite looked like the big ant hills I saw in Namibia. The massive icicle shaped stalactite was the best though. They were thick, thin, wide, multi-colored, and some likened pieces of wavy bacon! This was a planned adventure where we went with a friend's Korean neighbor. It was OK--organized and pleasant accommodation. In fact, probably the best place I've ever stayed at in Korea. The Korean's brother has a 'membership' at a certain number of these hotels in the country. So, we got a great deal.

(Picture: Scott and I on the bus to Daecheon Beach)

This past weekend, I went to an island for a friend's birthday. I believe it was called Sabsido Island. My friend, Lindsey, had organized it with her Korean co-teacher and she brought two other Korean co-teachers went with us, so we had quite the group!

Thinking that we were in good, indigenous hands, I made a poor assumption that any kinks that may come up would be workable--I mean hey, we had the language component, what's better than communication? Well, when we finally got to Daecheon beach (just west of Daejeon - 2 hrs in car), we tried to get the soonest ferry...which was full. So, the next one? Nope. Full. And there we sat - thinking about what to do. The ferry ticket-ers (who probably have a better label than that) said we could charter a private boat, so we called the reference number. Guess what? He was busy. Grrrr.... In a second call to him, we asked if there was another person we could call. It just so happened, he gave us a name for a fisherman.

After pacing the doc for about 45 minutes, looking all over for a Korean, he told us he'd find us. After about 3 minutes, he came walking up in his old stiff red cap and old, stained, water boots. He was old. His boat was old. And there it was - our option. Well, actually it wasn't as if we opted for it from a selection, it was the selection. We took a picture of the moment (and our facial expressions) and hopped on. It was actually a remarkable experience. Even the typical Asian boat full of rust and lights that probably don't light, made us appreciate the moment.

Alas, we got to the island. We were picked up by the owner of a pension (which is like a big house we could order food and rent out their upstairs). This had been reserved by the Koreans and we were given one choice for dinner, because the soup was gone. So, it was raw fish - for $20 bucks a plate (an outlandish price for any food in Korea). While deciding we'd rather just go walk around with the hope we'd find a place to eat, we just wanted to play on the beach. Like 7 year-olds, we played in the sand and water.

When enjoying the not-so-cold water, we looked across the shore and saw these odd straw-like things sticking out ALL over the sand. We would try to pull them out, dig them up, or drop sand down them, they would always break (because they are really just made of sand). Our pension lady told a few others that had gone back to get their pails and kiddy shovels, that these 'straws' were clam-breathing holes. With a shovel in hand, Collin scooped mounds of sand out of the way and we would follow him - hands full of SALT. Why salt? Apparently, the clams love it. When there was a hole where he had scooped the sand, we put salt on it. The clams would proceed to come out of the sand and we'd have to snatch whatever part of them we could. We did this for hours. It was pure childhood delight. And, oh, were they hideous looking! Their shells were a bit bigger in width and shorter in height of a pencil. But, we had a kickin' time doing it!

After finding a cheap Korean BBQ for dinner, we had a fire on the beach. Yes, I said it: beach and all the sounds of it. Waves. Guitar strums. Singing.

The Korean teachers boiled the clams and brought them down to us. I tried to hold back my elated feeling, but it burst out with, "Whoa!? Are WE eating these?" Because we had taken their lives three hours prior to this, I had to justify myself as a clam-killer and eat some. They weren't so bad! Yet, I was a bit grossed out when I looked at the body because the live-image was still in my mind...all movin' and stuff. ugh. (These clams were only partly covered by their shell).

All in all, I've been quite busy. Oh, I can't believe it's JUNE! I have lots of preparation for Mongolia (i.e. Ger shopping!) and--I'm sure--more unexpected riots still waiting to happen. Pray that we don't get bombed!

Warm regards,
C

Day-to-Day

The odd-amazement feeling of being IN Korea has warn off, but now I'm getting to learn ABOUT Korea and explore more!

At a grand size that matches the state of Kentucky, one would think that every Korean has seen all of his or her own country. Yet, that is not the case. Two weekends ago, I visited a traditional folk village called Andong ("ohn-dong") with my language class. When inquiring about it to some Korean coworkers, they seemed so confused. "Oh, that is far...no I never been there!" It's only about a 2-hour drive away. For most Koreans though, the concept of leaving their home city to travel for a hike or mere exploration is bizarre.

This is at the Folk Village -- we watched a mask dance!

There was quite the crowd!!

This is a picture of how Koreans used to make paper, stripping it from tree bark, wetting it, soaking it, stretching it...
This was some unnecessary free soak-jo

IT WAS BEAUTIFUL!

I'll admit, I've been pleasantly surprised with city outskirts. As for where I live, here's a bit more to understand the common sights of my walk around Daejeon.

E-MART ("ee-mart-uh") is like a Wal-Mart/Target

Not only has Spring brought many tomato, lemon and strawberry vendors, but also the HI-MART Dancers. These are high school girls, dancing and singing about the deals going on in a tech store. Hmm... I wonder who their target audience is?

This is a walkway I find myself on almost everyday.

Despite the fact that I don't favor making generalizations, I am going to right now.

For many of the Koreans, it seems as though they live in a bubble consisting of themselves and the routines they or their parents have carved out. Whether it is businessmen who work all day (likely to have little or no relationship with his family as he arrives home around 3am and smelling of sushi, soak-jo, and taxi seats) or women who aren't empowered to seek anything beyond basic skills jobs--I see and know many Korean who live their entire lives blissfully within a 40mile radius of their home/apt. I take back the generalization about men; I do see good fathers who play with their little ones or carry their girlfriends purse for her (haha...). When I tell them I'm going out to camp and hike 4hours away, they're shocked! "Too much traveling...too far away!"

This is a picture of a bar/diner in my dong, it's the typical sight: Businessmen out for booze! And, hey - you can even look up Mr.Seven online!

As for school, I am in love with my Kindergarten class (minus the nose-picking!)

I GOT TO SEE SOCCER!!!

My summer vacation is nothing like in the States. I only get one week off--the last one of July. Apparently, that is the week EVERYONE has off. So, in searching for places to go or things to do, I and a handful of friends have decided we're going to Mongolia. I'm quite excited. We'll be Ger-camping, getting lost on plains of openness, surrounded by mountains and maybe even catch some Zen off the Monks!

More to come...

Found a Mountain

It's beautiful here.

Eight other friends and I traveled north to Serok San (“san” means “mountain”). It was 2am when we arrived at the youth hostel where we DIDN’T have reservations. Oops. We had found the wrong place! Because it was so late, we were tired and figured—since we’d already woken up these owners—we’d stay. I was told to not bring a sleeping bag, so as we drudged ourselves up to the room. I was too tired to care or think about what we were sleeping on. In the rooms, mats and blankets were folded in the corner. If I haven’t mentioned yet, they don’t use bed sheets here—only thin pads over the mattresses and comforters to use as a blanket. The hostel mats are similar, but slightly thicker and made of a material that allows the heat to easily transfer through. Heating is usually from the floor up—if I remember correctly, hot water pipes run along the floor boards. Alas, we crashed there not knowing our bearings, except that we were close to Serok National Park.

In the morning, we woke to see the top of a 24-hour convenient store in front of us and mountains in the distance. The sky was actually blue. Deciding to put off the waterfalls until the afternoon, we began to hike up the mountain. It started easy and shortly turned into a dirty, rocky, shale climb that finished with an 800 vertical stair-stepper that paralleled the boulders along the mountain side. We all clung to the railings, reminding each other to not look down. Reaching the top was quite stunning and worth the trek. We could see mountains beyond mountains that faded into a cloudy haze.

To be sure, there were many sights of Buddha. The drums were playing in the background--what a statue!

The trip ended beautifully and I have to point out something I discovered back in Daejeon. Along the side of the highways, is a line up of exercise equipment. It’s usually about 4-6 machines and last week I actually saw a woman using them. It made for a good chuckle.

Another first hit me lately, too. I can’t be certain it was the pollution, but I got sick. According to the doctor, I had “tonsilitus”. Interestingly, it was the same sickness he told my coworker she had—yet we had two totally different symptoms. Either way, the prescription drugs came in pack of 5.5—that 0.5 is from the pill they broke in half. I was to take one pack 3x/day. (That comes to 17.5 pills a day!!) When walking out, the lady pointed to one of the white pills and said, “antibiotic”. The other white one she said was “Tylenol”. I looked at her blankly, waiting to hear what the other ones were. She remained undisturbed by my confusion as she showed me a calculator with how much I had to pay. They made me so sleepy I actually nodded off in two of my reading classes. Better now, I may have just needed some sleep.

As far as school goes, we administer “MONTHLY TESTS”. Every test has a scan-tron sheet that covers math, grammar, reading, and science. The writing element is graded by the teacher (me) and is based upon a prompt that the POLY Research and Development Team thought of. For my grade ones (1st), they wrote about what they wanted for their birthday. More interestingly, my grade fours (4th) wrote about what they thought was to be the biggest problem currently affecting the world. Most wrote about global warming, the others wrote on war and I got one concerning the topic of poor people. They did not have the best supporting arguments for global warming--I'm sure they have heard about the problem because of the congestion in their country. The second most common answer was war, which always included North Korea as an example. Overall, the best fictional story came from my grade threes (3rd)—who wrote about what they would do if there was an earthquake. One girl said she’d move to another country, taking clothes and money with her. Then, she would have family move there (with their clothes and money). And lastly, she would get her old neighbors to move to this new country (with their clothes and money too, “of course”). These two groups could then marry and then they could have “a whole new Korea”, just in a different place of the world!

On a more serious note, my PAS7s (7th) wrote about criminal punishment. The prompt was something along the lines of, “Is criminal punishment fitting for the crime?” When reading their replies, for the most part, I was really impressed. One student referenced Les Miserables (great book) by using the example of punishment given to the main character, Jean Valjean, who was caught stealing bread to feed his family. She compared an oppositional situation wherein an individual not only violates the law, but also commits the crime with the intention of doing harm to others. These two crimes should be punished different; one indicates that the intention is a crime in and of itself and the other is the action performed. In alignment with her notion, she talked about having a tier-based punish system (she didn't call it that though). So that the criminal will then get charged on 1) the account of the crime and 2) the account of their intention.

Kind of wild, eh? The dilemma with this, however, would be to discern where the line could be drawn: a criminal may attempt to justify a crime or base it upon their account of “intention”.

Enough of that, I was impressed overall. My little Kinders are doing water-color painting, long vowel sounds and they just went on their second field trip to Body World. I can read Korean and I know simple phrases. I’ve officially missed TWO staff meetings—in a row. (oops!) I discovered an Art Supply store where there is a plethora of paint and design materials.

Other updates – If you haven’t noticed, I died my hair. It’s not purple this time.

Immersion

It's the third week and I am growing accustomed to the seaweed. The last school week flew by. I'm still deciding if it's because I'm getting into a groove with the students, or because I ended up getting a French press coffee pot and enjoyed the black fair-trade beans of Costa Rica.

Walking down the street, I've noticed things I would never see in the States. The dining joints, all likely to be considered 'hole in the wall' if found in the US, serve fairly good food. It is priced reasonably and most of the time I enjoy it. Many places even have your meal in a fish tank outside the front of the kitchen/on the patio--so you know what you are eating, of course. They do drive on the right side of the road, but they don't walk on the right side of the side walk. When I was walking downtown on Saturday, a friend and I heard a high pitched shrill. We looked to our left and saw a man off of his motorcycle, still wearing his helmet who was also standing next to a crouched woman. She was shrieking with every exhaled breath. I ran over and saw her squatted in front of a little boy, about 5 years old. The boys mouth was bleeding and I could tell he had fallen on the pavement, face first. Initially, I thought he was on the motorcycle and had fell from the seat. Yet, in actuality, the woman (mom) was walking with her two sons when the motorcyclist drove by and knocked the boy down--face down. Teeth down. Danielle comforted the mom while I yelled for a taxi. He was taken off by his grandparents and I stood there, feeling my teeth and touching my mouth--thankful that my teeth were still there.

On a lighter note, I love the school because it's organized and I work with wonderful people. However, as I think more about how--as classes are not only teaching English--but also of American learning/teaching methods and topics. For example, in my Kinder Class, we have an hour dedicated to "Immersion". We spend the hour learning about what is polite and/or traditional for America. (odd?) Fridays, we spend the time learning about folktales ("Folktale Fridays"). This month it's called, Konji and Patchji. This is the Korean Cinderella. Konji has a beautiful glass slipper, loses it and falls in love with the young king. Hm.... I don't recall getting a lesson on the historical tales originating in China, Africa, etc.

During one of my preps, I finally got my computer to record the noise and images with my camera. So, I've attached some photos and videos of my class room. We did Phonics in the morning and just getting started with the long vowel sounds.

As for my own immersion, I actually have been studying my Korean notes. This is a great way to get the kids' attention because when I say something in Korean, (even if it's just pointing out that I know what nose and eyes are) they all go, "Whoooaaa!" I proceed to tell them that they had best not be speaking anything except English here--because I'll know!

During my first grade class, I got a kick from the answer to one of the prompts. The class, Vocabulary, had a 'fill in the blank' page. To show them how to do the practice work, I went over a couple of the examples. The question went, "If I could travel anywhere, I ____. " (Travel being the vocab word.) I awaited for their responses. Then, Woojin--a quick-mouthed boy who knows he's smart--answers, "Saudi Arabia!" ... "What?" I answer, "Why Saudi Arabia?" ... "Well then I go and get oil and sell it." Uh huh, of course. Figuring that that wasn't such a bad idea and quite humored at his response, I grinned. I should have got that one, eh?

As for recreation, the Saturday Frisbee game was colder this week. However, I was excited because I did get a free, new pair of cleats from one of the players. However, in crossing the river on big square rocks, I was jumping from one rock to another and they slipped out of my hand! In a moment, they were 10 feet away from me. AH! Given a warmer day, although the water is so murky I wonder where it comes from, I would have jumped in after them. But just as the thought came to me, it left me because of the chill in the air. I made it across and waved goodbye to the new, shiny red cleats--thinking only of what I'm going to say to my friend when I show up in my tennies next week. "Ugh ... it was a tough fight with the river! ... Life or death ... I just couldn't hold on to them without falling in the rapidly flowing currents that would wist me away forever!"

The Beginning

After flying out almost two weeks ago, I'm already immersed in my work and a community. I received my visa on a Saturday, and by Tuesday, I was on a plane over the Pacific.


Sitting at school, I'm actually beginning the much-awaited blog. I have officially completed one week of teaching and into the morning of my Tuesday class. When I first got here, I did observations of a few classes, which were not the best to sit in on because they it was the last day of the semester. Also known as, "party and movie day". It was also the day that I decided I'd try to fit in with a classy look - heels. Ya, that may have not been such a good idea. My ride was coming at 10:15 and I was sitting in my Internet-less apartment longing for coffee. Thus, I headed out of the building, (also a bad idea since all the buildings look the same and I can't read Korean symbols!) to look for some caffeine. After meandering for about 20 minutes, I realized I didn't know quite how to get back. Not to mention that this country lives at night. All the 'coffee' places, are actually 'coffee and beer bars'. What a combo!? Lost. Heels. No coffee. Awesome. I found a card I had in my bag that had the supervisor's number on it, so I went to a saloon and gave it to them, making a signal of a phone. Little did I know, I was a block away. Ugh...teehee?


Back at the apartment for nearly two minutes and a knock on the door, Mr. Lee - the driver. Monday morning our schedule was to meet the parents. We all had new classes and I was looking at my books for the first time. I have a team teacher who comes and takes the students to the bathroom between each class, her English name is Bonnie. She's sweet and new too! Not much of an English speaker, but a doll. No coffee, new class and blisters already on my feet. Monday = Madness.


As a morning person myself - this night culture is a rough adjustment. To explain mean by this "NIGHT culture of Korea" I will elaborate. Upon getting off of work and heading to dinner at 9, they go drink with their full bellies until about 12, wander over to a karaoke bar for a few hours (those are BIG here), and end the night with a few hours at the saunas...you know, sweat out the alcohol. Then, hop into a cab and find the home around 4/5am. There is a "cab smell" that my foreign teachers and I label the squid-sweating-smoking-drunk aroma that fills the seats of the cabs.

As far as my school and the kids go - I love it. The school I'm at is KoreaPoly. In the morning, I teach Kindergartners. They are 7 years old, in Korean years. But in the State's years, they are 6 years old. Once a person is born, they are already a year old. (Ya, that makes me 24!) The kids are awfully cute and smart. Their families pay good money to go to this school and I keep hearing that I'm so lucky to get here as a first year teacher. Most foreign teachers are in their second year of teaching in Korea and have transferred here. There's a lot of Canadians. However, there are a few from the States. These students here have either been abroad (overseas) for at least a year in an English speaking country, or they are considered "GT" for the Gifted and Talented English speakers. With the Kinders, I teach Phonics, Reading, Art, Immersion, Computer, Writing, and Gym. In the afternoon, I have 3rd, 4th and 7th graders. I teach Vocab, Science, Reading, Grammar, Writing and Debate with them. (I like the Debate! Right now I have them 'debating' if Ping-Pong is a good sport.)

Since coffee is too expensive, unless I get a coffee pot (an investment I can't make till I get a paycheck!), I've been trying to do the GREEN Tea thing. I heard that it has caffeine in it. But really? I think my hearing must be off; I need more caffeine! By noon, I'm exhausted. Ground coffee is SO uncommon here...it's all about the lattes. OR - the dry coffee in packets that are 90% sugar (p.s. I drink BLACK coffee).

On Tuesday nights, I have Korean lessons. This will be my second week here - and my second class tonight! The Korean language doesn't have R's though, so my name sounds like CHLISTEE.

Before arriving, I realized that a friend I went to high school with, Brenna, is living in the same city. Her husband teaches at Taejeon Christian International School (TCIS). I went to the church the first weekend and attended their service. I was welcomed by other English teachers from the city. Brenna wasn't there because it was the last day of their vacation. I even got a big hug from a girl, Lauren, after I told her that it was my 3rd day in Korea. We went to lunch, a coffee shop, a walk with some others, a friends' house, and then out to dinner. It was just what I needed after a the day of getting lost in my own neighborhood ("dong") and about 5 lost games of solitaire on the computer that doesn't get Internet yet. I've since met many people at the church and gotten more involved with the foreigner teachers from my school. And, in an answer to my prayers, I feel like I'm going to build a community here.

Living Quarters - The apartment I'm in is two rooms...well, one big room split with a sliding glass door (that is opaque with Asian flowers on it). That sliding door separates the bedroom from the table/eating/kitchen area. My fridge kind of smells like squid. Which is not the sweetest smell. Their beds are quite hard, but I actually have come to like it. The mornings and evenings are peaceful as I turn on my 'ol iTunes to think of home with Mr. Jack Johnson or Gavin Degraw.

Dining out? Or in? Here, it costs the same to eat out or buy groceries and cook myself. I've been adventurous a few times and often, I find myself eating many things I cannot pronounce. Every corner and street has at least one if not more food joints. Pickled cabbage w/red pepper on it (kimchi) is served with EVERYTHING. It's not that it's necessarily popular and loved, as much as it is a staple side dish. Oh...SO many side dishes. You could have a meal out of just the side dishes.

This weekend was my first experience with the night culture. One of my fellow teachers and I went to the 'local bar'. They call it "Santa's" because the owner's name is Mr. Ho. (haha). Saturday, I went with the same friend to play Frisbee. Yep - joined a disc team. It's HUGE here! Bigger than at PLU; the team practicing next to us was the advanced team - the traveling team that is going to Japan next week. A hours of disc later, we went back to change and get ready for night out at "Brickhouse Bar". Almost all the Frisbee team went there; it was full of foreigners, smoke, and loud music. I played a couple rounds of pool and at the end of the night, I had ringing in my ears from the music. No karaoke or a sauna for me, but the night ended "early" at 2am. Many people were still out for a couple more hours!

As far as the city, Daejeon, it's size is perfect for me. Not as big as Seoul, but not small either! The city structure is way different from the States. Since it's such little land mass, all the buildings are built up instead of wide. Little land, lots of people, BUILD UP!

Overall, in sum, this has been quite an adventure. I had a lot to write for this first blog, but soon I will put up pictures! Thanks for your support friends; I'll keep you all posted on my heel-less adventures!